Helmut Heinrich Waldemar Schmidt was a German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), who served as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) from 1974 to 1982. Before becoming Chancellor, he had served as Minister of Defence (1969–1972) and as Minister of Finance (1972–1974). In the latter role he gained credit for his financial policies. He had also served briefly as Minister of Economics and as acting Foreign Minister. As Chancellor, he focused on international affairs, seeking "political unification of Europe in partnership with the United States". In 1986 he was a leading proponent of European monetary union and a European Central Bank.

The coin depicts Helmut Schmidt in a characteristic pose. At the top right, in a semicircle, the words "HELMUT SCHMIDT"; on the right the years "1918-2015" and below one of the 5 mint marks "A", "D", "F", "G" or "J"; on the left the "D" sign, which identifies Germany, and below the year of issue "2018"; below are the initials of the artist "BB". On the outer edge 12-point five-star hotels representing the European Union.
It is included in the FDC Divisional, in the SF Divisional, in the FDC Folder and in the Folder FS.